County’s Fairtrade status celebrated

Work which started in Garstang and has led to Lancashire becoming a Fairtrade county has been marked at a special event.

The celebration was held at County Hall in Preston, during Fairtrade Fortnight as Lancashire is now the ninth county in the UK to gain Fairtrade accreditation. Guests included members of the team who helped Garstang, in Wyre, become the world’s first Fairtrade town.

Jennifer Mein, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “Garstang was the first Fairtrade town in 2001. Since then many towns, cities, districts and organisations have now gained accreditation and we’re delighted Lancashire has been added to this list.

“Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers.”

The county council passed a resolution in 2013 to only use Fairtrade tea and coffee at its meetings.